Mike Thalassitis: Love Island star left notebook at scene of death

Love Island star Mike Thalassitis left a notebook with messages to his family at the scene of his death, an inquest has heard.

The 26-year-old reality star and former footballer was found hanging in a park in Edmonton, north London, on 16 March.

His death sparked calls for improved aftercare for people who take part in reality TV shows.

North London Coroner’s Court concluded on Wednesday his cause of death was suicide.

Senior coroner Andrew Walker said Mr Thalassitis left messages “which clearly set out his intention that his life should come to an end”.

Former Love Island contestant Montana Brown said Mr Thalassitis had been in a “dark place” in the months before his death.

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Montana Brown, a contestant on the 2017 series of Love Island, attended the inquest

Mr Thalassitis was found by a jogger in Church Street Recreation ground next to Haselbury Road in the north London borough where he lived.

PC Emma Clauson, who attended the scene, said she looked through the notebook “which was a sort of combination of a diary and letters and positive thoughts”.

“At the back of the diary was a number of notes that had been addressed to his family,” she said.

Toxicology results showed there was cocaine, ethanol, antidepressants and paracetamol in his system at the time of his death.

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Toxicology results showed there was cocaine, ethanol and paracetamol in his system at the time of his death

Mr Thalassitis’ family paid tribute to their “wonderful son and brother” outside the court following the hearing.

Reading a statement on their behalf, Dave Read, his manager and agent, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind messages and support during this very difficult time.

“Today’s inquest concluded the sad news at the loss of our beautiful son and brother.

“Mike was a wonderful son and brother and will be dearly missed.”

Producers of the ITV2 show paid tribute to him at the end of the opening episode of the new series, which aired on Monday night.